Special‑education director highlights feeding evaluations and rising caseloads

Miss Johnson, the district's special‑education director, told the board about work that pairs speech‑language and occupational therapy staff with the kitchen team to conduct feeding evaluations for students who need modified textures or portioning. She shared the story of a kindergarten student, Jordy, whose family allowed use of his name and picture to illustrate successful inclusion.

"This little boy, that was his first day ever having school lunch," Johnson said, describing how portioning and texture adjustments allowed the child to eat safely and participate in school life. She framed the practice as part of broader inclusive services that make ordinary school activities accessible.

Johnson said the district currently serves about 484 students in special education across age ranges and noted the district operates specialized self‑contained programs that attract families from surrounding areas. She estimated that eight students require portion‑sized or cut‑up meals and that kitchen staff are serving four additional menus for students with allergies or medical requirements.

Board members praised staff and the Cloverdale team; Johnson emphasized early identification is increasing (more preschool‑to‑kindergarten identifications this year) and that early intervention remains a priority.